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Support needed to care for orphaned Cloudcroft cubs

Ruidoso News reports
Published 3:54 p.m. MT Aug. 30, 2016

Local orphaned black bear cubs in need of help

Two of the Cloudcroft bear cubs search their bowls for food.(Photo: Courtesy)

Story Highlights

Back in late July, Dr. Kathleen Ramsay received two small female bear cubs from Cloudcroft, who were orphaned when their mother was killed in an accident with a homeowner and their dogs.

The two cubs came in very small and needing plenty of food to get to a healthy weight before they could be released. The two girls were named Aubrey and Opal after two of the founding daughters of Cloudcroft.

But soon after Aubrey and Opal’s arrival, Dr. Ramsay received a call about another two orphaned cubs from the Cloudcroft area, whose story was similar. Judy “Garland” and Clark “Gable” arrived after another landowner shot their mother.

"This is where we need your help," James Robinson, chairman of of the Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation said. "These bears will require at least six months to achieve a healthy weight to be released back into the wild. This means a lot of food, which includes lots of fruits, vegetables and nuts. Any veterinary care adds to their total costs. Typically, this comes out to about $6,000 per cub for a full recovery."

Some donations already have started to come in for which the foundation advocates thanked those who made the choice to help the young bears.

"Every penny will be used to help these wonderful animals get fat enough to be released back into the wild," Robinson said.

"Working with Dr. Ramsay, LEWF will do our best to provide as many updates on the bear cub’s progress and release," he said.

"You can follow their progress on our Facebook page and also on our website."

According to the foundation's website, LEWF's mission is to help the wildlife of New Mexico by providing financial and logistical aid to the people whom help rehabilitate the animals of New Mexico. "This will be done by providing those operations with assistance for enclosures, transportation, medical treatment, food and volunteers," the website states.